New DelhiL: The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) on Thursday demanded the resignation of Minister of State for External Affairs M.J. Akbar over allegations of sexual assault against him by several female journalists.

"Seven women journalists have come forward recounting their experience of sexual harassment and unacceptable behaviour from M.J. Akbar when he was the editor of various newspapers," the party said in a statement.

"Since these are serious charges, Akbar's continuance as a Minister in the Central government is untenable. He should immediately resign from office."

Akbar, who is currently on an official visit to Nigeria, has reportedly been asked to cut short his visit.

Congress leader S. Jaipal Reddy and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen President Asaduddin Owaisi have also demanded the former editor's resignation, if he fails to come clear on the allegations.

It began with journalist Priya Ramani's Vogue article, in which she said that Akbar had invited her to a hotel room in Mumbai for an interview and made uncomfortable advances towards her. She was 23 years old, while he was 43.

Meanwhile, women from across the media have flooded social media with 'MeToo in India' messages and their painful stories of their encounter with sexual harassment, mostly at their workplaces.

The politicians, union ministers and leaders have maintained stoic silence.